Hinge frame

ABSTRACT

A support frame for solid screen or flexible sheet panel material comprising an originally elongated strip which includes a hem edge having a substantially hemispherical button tip configuration defined by a fold substantially located along the longitudinal axis of the strip. A plurality of pairs of slots having a T-shaped configuration are formed in the strip such that the strip may be turned at these points and thereby define corners of a polygon engaging the material about its periphery and providing support therefor. Hooks, serving as material connecting means; hinges, used to pivotally attach the frame; and clips used for closure means are all integrally formed in the strip and protrude from predetermined sides of the surface thereof in order to secure the material to the frame or mount the frame itself respectively.

[ Oct. 9, 1973 HINGE FRAME [76] Inventor: Winifred Clark, 4 Orchard Way-El Pico Estates, Brooksville, Fla.

[22] Filed: Sept. 9, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 178,967

[52] US. Cl 160/371, 29/150, 29/509,

52/658, 160/404 [51] Int. Cl A47g 5/00 [58] Field of Search 160/371, 380, 382,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,775,717 9/1930 Everhard 160/371 X 1,285,613 11/1918 Cabral 160/381 1,324,950 12/1919 Zrebiec 160/381 X 975,172 11/1910 Speer 160/381 X 1,002,781 9/1911 Swart 160/380 1,571,661 2/1926 Descoteau..... 160/379 UX 2,823,734 2/1958 Wetzler 160/404 Primary Examiner-Mervin Stein Assistant Examiner-Philip C. Kannan Attorney--Stein & Orman [57] ABSTRACT A support frame for solid screen or flexible sheet panel material comprising an originally elongated strip which includes a hem edge having a substantially hemispherical button tip configuration defined by a fold substantially located along the longitudinal axis of the strip. A plurality of pairs of slots having a T- shaped configuration are formed in the strip such that the strip may be turned at these points and thereby define corners of a polygon engaging the material about its periphery and providing support therefor. Hooks, serving as material connecting means; hinges, used to pivotally attach the frame; and clips used for closure means are all integrally formed in the strip and protrude from predetermined sides of the surface thereof in order to secure the material to the frame or mount the frame itself respectively.

13 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTED 9 SHUT 20? 2 INVENTOR. WINIFRED CLARK ATTORNEYS HINGE FRAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention A support frame for solid sheet flexible material designed to engage the material about the periphery thereof and thereby form a closure to fit into any conventional portal of a building structure or the like.

2. Description of the Prior Art There presently exists a plurality of frames used to support screen mesh or like material used on windows or doorways in a conventional manner. The use of frame closures of this type in portals for buildings has the obvious advantage of allowing both air and light to enter a given space while at the same time keeping insects, debris and like undesirable objects from entering the building. This type of frame structure has been known for many years and its wide application has resulted in the development of a great variety of support frames or similar structures.

A great number of these frame structures however have not lessened the problem and inherent disadvantages associated with frames of this type. Generally, support frames utilized to mount screens or like material are intended to be lightweight while at the same time being sufficiently rigid and strong to maintain the screen material in the desired position for long periods of time. In actual use however it is common knowledge that screen type closures including doors and windows are generally flimsy, usually easily damaged or destroyed and having a relatively short operable life.

In an attempt to overcome these inherent disadvantagcs manufacturers and designers of these frames have tried to add to the strength of the frame and the screen like material itself by using heavier material in the frame, producing the frame with relatively complex production methods and utilizing relatively sophicated fasteners in order to secure the frame to the material. All of these prior art attempts to improve a support frame structure has resulted in an unnecessarily expen' sive device which still includes many of the inherent problems and disadvantages present in the older, less complicated frames as set forth above.

It is readily apparent that a number of the problems associated with support frames of this tyep stem directly from a lack of skilled workmanship and quality material being contributed to the finished product. Many manufacturers of frames of this type have the mistaken belief that the use of quality techaniques and materials necessarily will raise the cost of such frames to a prohibitive level such that their production and sale would be an economic impossibility.

In an attempt to reach a happy medium manufacturers have gone to automated production techniques while maintaining the low standard of quality of materials in their final product. This has resulted in a more expensive frame having relatively few major improvements over other prior art frames and the older well known simple frame structures.

While it is apparent that an improvement in both the quality of the material and in the techniques used to produce the final product is a step in the right direction for the improvement of the production of quality support frames, there is still a great need on the commercial market for a high quality frame capable of long operable life which is available to the public at large at a reasonable price.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a support frame for a screen, wire mesh, solid sheet material wherein the frame and supported material serve as a closure over windows or doors. I

More particularlythe frame comprises an originally elongated strip of plastic or metallic material. The strip includes a hem edge defined by a fold essentially along the longitudinal axis of the strip. This fold or hem edge is specifically configured to be hemispherical and includes a sharp break between the hem edge and adjacent side walls thereby adding strenght and rigidity to the entire strip.

A plurality of corner forming means each comprising a pair of substantially T-shapedslots wherein each pair of slots is arranged in prdetermined spaced relation to one another along the length of the strip. Each slot of each pair is positioned on opposite sides of the hem edge such that one extremity of the slot is spaced from the hem edge and the other extremity of the slot engages the free side edge oppositely disposed to the hem edge of the strip.

The strip further comprises material connecting means in the form of a plurality of [hook members integrally formed on the strip on opposite sides of the hem edge and in spaced relation to one another. The hook members extend or protrude out from the surface of the strip towards the interior thereof.

Similarly, hinge means are integrally formed in the side walls of the strip such that the hinges extend outwardly from he surface of the strip on the exterior side thereof. Clip means are also formed in the same man-.

ner and extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the strip. These bracket means are used to attach various closure or locking mechanisms directly to the strip when it is folded in its frame-like, material supporting position. i

A holding means is provided to maintain the screen material in a predetermined position for attachment to the frame. This holding means comprises a plurality of arms radially disposed to a central hub portion. Each arm comprises a plurality of telescopically arranged segments such that each arm may be extended to varying lengths dependent upon the configuration and/or size of the material being affixed to the frame. This holding means'may be magnetizedl so as to adhere the screen or wire mesh material to the frame in an efficiebt manner.

To assemble, the strip is folded at each pair of T-slots such that flanges defined by the portions of the side walls adjacent each T-slot are arranged in overlapping relation to one another. This orients the various portions of the strips separated by the pairs of T-slots in an angular relationship to one another. When in proper position one or more locking apertures arranged on the flanges, adjacent the T-slot are also positioned in overlapping, engaging relationship and a rivet, Carter pin or like fastening means extending through these apertures.

The locking apertures could take the form of a substantially elongated slot adapted to cooperate with an oblong hollow rivet. A tool in the form of a hammerhead sleeve is used to connect the rivet. The sleeve is inserted under the folded flanges and serves as a support base for the rivet when it is engaged by an air hammer. A flod is formed along each of the corner forming means in order to define corners of a frame which supports the flexible material about its periphery. A closed polygon is thereby formed. To engage the material being supported the side walls of the strip are folded about the hem edge to a point where they are essentially perpendicular to one another. The material is placed between the interior surfaces of the side walls and in this position the hook members penetrate the periphery of any flexible material at spaced points and lockingly engage any solid material thereby securing fastening it to the frame. After assembling, the frame may be pivotally mounted by virtue of the hinges formed integrally on the designated portion of the strip. Similarly, the clips may serve as closure means or may have a locking mechanism or other fixture attached .thereto to facilitate closing and/or locking of the formed frame about any given portal of a conventional building structure, for instance.

The strip itself is ideally formed through the use of closing and radial dies. This method of production has been found to produce a high strenght, quality structure.

The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture presenting the features, properties and relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. I shows a perspective view of the original elongated strip used to form the frame.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the hinge and bracket means taken along lines 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the bracket means taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame in assembled, supporting relation to screen-like material.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the hinge and bracket means taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cutaway sectional view of the interior of the strip showing the material connecting means.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the strip and material in assembled form.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are embodiments of the material holding means.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. I shows an originally elongated strip 10 used to form the frame which is shwon in assembled form as 12 in FIG. 4. The strip 10 includes a hem edge 14 defined by a fold substantially along the longitudinal axis of the strip. The hem edge is specifically configured in the shape of a hemisphere in order to add additional strength and rigidity of the strip and accordingly the frame. The hem edge is particularly defined by a sharp break 31 between its extremity and adjacent side walls (FIG. 3).

Comer forming means are arranged in predtermined spaced relation along the length of the strip and comprise a pair of T-shaped slots 16 wherein each slot 18 is formed on opposite sides of hem edge 14. As shown in FIG. I, the upper portion or base of each T-slot I8 is disposed in spaced substantially parallel relation to one another on opposite sides of the hem edge. The leg of the T-slot extends outwardly from said base and terminates in the outer extremity of the slot engaging the free side edge 20 of each side wall 22 and 24 of the strip. Locking apertures 26 are formed adjacent each slot 18 and the extremities of the strip 28 and 30 to maintain the strip in folded position as will be explained hereinafter.

Flanges 32 are defined immediately adjacent eacn side of the elongated portion of slot 18. When the various portions of strip 10 are folded relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the strip, in order to assemble the frame as shown in FIG. 4, the flanges 32 are arranged in overlapping position as shown in FIG. 4. Locking apertures 26 are so positioned as to also be arranged in overlapping position when the,

flanges are so arranged. Rivet fastening means in the form of conventional or specially formed rivets or the like may extend through these overlapping apertures in order to fasten the frame in the assembled position.

As shown in FIG. 7, material connecting means in the form of a plurality of hooks 34 are formed in spaced relation to one another in each side wall 22 and 24. More particularly, each member extends from the interior surface 36 of the strip, toward the interior of the strip. The hook members are configured in the shape of a triangle wherein the apex or point of the triangle is directed outwardly toward the free edge 20 of the respective side walls in which they are formed.

Hinge menas 38 and clip means 40 are integrally formed in prdetermined locations in the strip 10. The positioning of either the hinge means or the bracket means is determined by the specific application for whcih the frame is used. Both of these members extend outwardly from the exterior surface 42 of each side wall 22 or 24 of strip 10. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter the hinge means are used to pivotally attach the assembled frame to a given structure and the clip means are used to attach closure or lock mechanisms to the frame to facilitate closing thereof.

An important feature of the present invention relates to the specific integral formation of the connecting means 34, hinge means 38 and clip means 40. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7 each of these members are positioned in their respective side walls in spaced relation to both the hem edge 14 and the free edge 20 of each side wall. This again adds strength and rigidity to the assembled frame resulting in a durable, long-lasting product.

FIGS. 9 and 10 disclose different embodiments of a holding means used to secure material 50 supported by the frame in a predetermined position while it is being assembled to the frame. More specifically, each of the holding means 52 comprises a plurality of anns 54 each including segments 56, 58 and 60 telescopically arranged relative to one another such that each of the arms 54 may be extended to varying lengths as indicated by directional arrow 62. The frame 12 is assembled to material 50 by first folding strip 10 along the pairs of T slots 16 so as to arrange flanges 32 in overlapping relation to one another. As explained above, fastening means are extended through locking apertures 26 to lock the flanges and folded portions in their respective desired positions. Side walls 22 and 24 are then pivoted about hem edge 14 until they are substantially parallel as indicated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8. In this position the material 50 is placed between the interior surfaces 36 of the side walls of the strip such that hook members 34 penetrate and therebylocking engage the peripheral portions of material 50. By folding the side wall in this manner the bracket means and hinge means are properly positioned on the exterior of the folded strip as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment which facilitates the locking of material 50 between side walls 22 and 24. This embodiment includes forminga second crease 61in the side walls 22 and 24 when material 50 is in locking engagement with connecting means or hook members 34.

As shown in FIG. 4 the frame 12 is formed by folding thestrip as indicated above. When folded in this manner and locked in place the frame supports material 50 around its periphery and the sides or portion of the strip arranged in an angular orientation relative to one another'essentially defines the sides of a polygon. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 4 the polygon is in the shape of a square. However, it should be obvious that various other configurations could come within the scope of the present invention.

The invention accordingly comprises the feature of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the inventions has been described, what is claimed is: t

l. A frame designed to support flexible material by engagement with a substantial portion of the periphery thereof, said frame comprising: a strip folded substantially along its longitudinal axis to define a hem edge, two side walls each located on opposite sides of said hem edge, corner forming means formed in said strip in predtermined spaced relation to one another such that portions of said strip on either side of said corner forming means are folded in angular relation to one another, material connecting means integrally formed in each of said side walls whereby said side walls are positioned in substantially parallel relation to one another and on both sides of said material; hinge means integrally formed in said side walls in spaced relation to one another, and extending from the surface of said respective side walls outwardly on the exterior of said folded strip, said material connecting means positioned on said side walls to lockingly engage the material and said frame comprising a polygon configuration when said comers are formed.

2. A frame as in claim 15 wherein said corner forming means comprising a pair of T-slots, each slot having a substantially T-shaped configuration and disposed such that the base of each is arranged in substantially parallel relation on opposite sides of said hem edge, flanges arranged adjacent to each of said slots so as to be positioned in overlapping relation when portions of said strip are folded in angular relation to one another.

3. A frame as in claim 3 including at least one locking aperture formed in each of said flanges, said apertures in adjacent flanges positioned in overlapping relation when said flanges are positioned in overlapping relation.

4. A frame as in claim 2 wherein each of said slots has one extremity spaced from said hem edge and the other estremity extending to said oppositely disposed free side edge.

5. A frame as in claim 1 wherein said hinge means are positioned in spaced, non-engaging relation to both said hem edge and said side edge.

6. A frame as in claim 1 wherein said frame further comprises bracket means integrally formed in said side walls in spaced relation to one another, and extending from the surface of said respective side wall outwardly on the exterior of said folded strip, whereby closure means may be attached thereto so as to maintain said frame in locked position.

7. A frame as in claim 1 wherein said hem edge comprises a substantially hemispherical configuration extending along its length, said hem edge dimensioned to define a button head at each corner determined by the folded angularly oriented strip portion defining said 7 corners.

8. A frame as in claim 1 wherein said parallel arranged side walls each further comprise a longitudinal crease extending substantially parallel to said hem edge, such that each of said side walls include a substantially L-shape configuration.

9. A frame as in claim 15 in combination with a material holding means said holding means comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending arms arranged in co-planar, angular relation to one another, whereby the length of each arm may be extended independently of the others.

ll). A frame and holding assembly combination as in claim 17 wherein each of said arms comprises a plurality of portions telescopically arranged relative to one another, whereby extension of said arms are permitted.

111. A frame and holding assembly combination as in claim 17 wherein said material holding means is magnetized.

12. A frame as in claim 1 wherein said material connecting means comprises a plurality of hook members disposed on opposite sides of said hem edge and in spaced relation to each other in both side walls, said hooks extending from the surface of each of said side walls inwardly toward the interior of said folded strip, whereby positioning of said side walls in substantially parallel position locates said hooks in looking engagement with said material.

13. A frame as in claim 12 wherein said hooks are positioned in spaced, non-engaging relation to both said hem edge and said side edge.

, UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,7 3,9 Dated October 9, 1975 Winifred 01am Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line, +6, delete "tyep'f and insert therefore Column 2, line 13, delete "strenght" and insert therefor V strength Column 2, line" 17, delete "prdetermined" and insert therefor predetermined I C v I Column 2, line #8, delete "efficiebt" and insert therefor efficient 5 I Column 2, 1 ne 67, tlelete "fl 0d" and insert therefor role- Column 5, line 21, delete "strenght" and insert therefor strength l H I i I I Column l, line delete first ocourence of "themes" and insert,

therefor means Column 4, line 55, delete "prdetermined" and insert therefor predetermined v I Column 4, line 3 8, delete "whcih" and insert which 7-- I Column 5, line +5, delete "prdtermined" and insert therefor predetermine Fem PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC GOING-P69 w u. s. sovulmim' rmm'ms ornc: III, o-s6-Ju.

Patent No." 3763'918 Dated October 975 Winifred Clark Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

o Column 5, line 59, delete-"l5" and insert therefor 1 Column 6, line 6, delete "5" and insert therefor v Column 6, line I}, delete "estrelfiity and insert therefor efi ctre mitj e 1 Column 6, line T +3, delete "l7" and insert there for 9 Column 6, line- 1+7, delete 17" and insert therefor 9, .1...

Column 6, line 36, delete "l5" and insert therefor l Signed and sealedthis 20th day oi August 197 (SEAL) Attest:

McCOYM. GIBSON; JR. c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM 90-1050 (10-69) r v j USCOMM-DC 063mm .5. GOVIINHE N PRINTING 0lFlCE ID'I O-JCI-Ql. 

1. A frame designed to support flexible material by engagement with a substantial portion of the periphery thereof, said frame comprising: a strip folded substantially along its longitudinal axis to define a hem edge, two side walls each located on opposite sides of said hem edge, corner forming means formed in said strip in predtermined spaced relation to one another such that portions of said strip on either side of said corner forming means are folded in angular relation to one another, material connecting means integrally formed in each of said side walls whereby said side walls are positioned in substantially parallel relation to one another and on both sides of said material; hinge means integrally formed in said side walls in spaced relation to one another, and extending from the surface of said respective side walls outwardly on the exterior of said folded strip, said material connecting means positioned on said side walls to lockingly engage the material and said frame comprising a polygon configuration when said corners are formed.
 2. A frame as in claim 15 wherein said corner forming means comprising a pair of T-slots, each slot having a substantially T-shaped configuration and disposed such that the base of each is arranged in substantially parallel relation on opposite sides of said hem edge, flanges arranged adjacent to each of said slots so as to be positioned in overlapping relation when portions of said strip are folded in angular relation to one another.
 3. A frame as in claim 3 including at least one locking aperture formed in each of said flanges, said apertures in adjacent flanges positioned in overlapping relation when said flanges are positioned in overlapping relation.
 4. A frame as in claim 2 wherein each of said slots has one extremity spaced from said hem edge and the other estremity extending to said oppositely disposed free side edge.
 5. A frame as in claim 1 wherein said hinge means are positioned in spaced, non-engaging relation to both said hem edge and said side edge.
 6. A frame as in claim 1 wherein said frame further comprises bracket means integrally formed in said side walls in spaced relation to one another, and extending from the surface of said respective side wall outwardly on the exterior of said folded strip, whereby closure means may be attached thereto so as to maintain said frame in locked position.
 7. A frame as in claim 1 wherein said hem edge comprises a substantially hemispherical configuration extending along its length, said hem edge dimensioned to define a button head at each corner determined by the folded angularly oriented strip portion defining said corners.
 8. A frame as in claim 1 wherein said parallel arranged side walls each further comprise a longitudinal crease extending substantially parallel to said hem edge, such that each of said side walls include a substantially L-shape configuration.
 9. A frame as in claim 15 in combination with a material holding means , said holding means comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending arms arranged in co-planar, angular relation to one another, whereby the length of each arm may be extended independently of The others.
 10. A frame and holding assembly combination as in claim 17 wherein each of said arms comprises a plurality of portions telescopically arranged relative to one another, whereby extension of said arms are permitted.
 11. A frame and holding assembly combination as in claim 17 wherein said material holding means is magnetized.
 12. A frame as in claim 1 wherein said material connecting means comprises a plurality of hook members disposed on opposite sides of said hem edge and in spaced relation to each other in both side walls, said hooks extending from the surface of each of said side walls inwardly toward the interior of said folded strip, whereby positioning of said side walls in substantially parallel position locates said hooks in locking engagement with said material.
 13. A frame as in claim 12 wherein said hooks are positioned in spaced, non-engaging relation to both said hem edge and said side edge. 